Workplace exposure to asphalt fumes can cause symptoms like headaches, rashes, throat and eye irritation, and more. It might also increase the risk of cancer.

Asphalt is a type of petroleum. Exposure to asphalt fumes may occur if you work in road paving or construction.

It’s important to minimize your exposure to asphalt fumes where possible. This might include wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).

Read on to learn more about how asphalt fumes can affect your health, who’s at risk of exposure, and how to protect yourself against asphalt fumes.

Breathing in asphalt fumes can cause both short-term and long-term health effects.

Possible short-term symptoms can include:

These symptoms will typically resolve once you’re no longer exposed to the asphalt fumes.

However, long-term exposure can result in chronic:

Some asphalt workers have also developed bronchitis, but it’s unclear if this was directly due to the fumes.

Exposure to asphalt fumes may also increase the risk of cancer, but more research is necessary.

Working in certain industries and jobs makes exposure to asphalt fumes more likely. Examples include:

  • road paving
  • concrete work
  • roofing
  • siding

If you have workplace exposure to asphalt fumes, it’s important to talk with your employer to ensure that you’re taking steps to minimize your risk of breathing in the fumes.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) currently recommends an exposure limit for asphalt fumes of no more than 5 milligrams (mg) per cubic meter (m3) of air per 15-minute short-term exposure.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists suggests a threshold limit value of 0.5 mg/m3 as an 8-hour time weighted average. This is also according to OHSA.

Although it may not be possible to completely avoid workplace exposure to asphalt fumes, you can minimize your exposure as much as possible by wearing PPE, like a mask.

Ask your employer about the PPE they provide. In most cases, OHSA requires employers to provide their employees with the necessary PPE.

Specifically, ask your employer about respirators. Wearing a dust respirator approved by NIOSH helps control your exposure to asphalt fumes.

However, a dust respirator won’t protect against vapors, so you may need to wear a full-face mask respirator with organic vapor and particulate cartridges. The full-face design will also help protect your eyes from irritation.

It’s best to contact a doctor as soon as you have concerns about the possible health issues associated with asphalt fume exposure. Although some of the symptoms can resolve by removing the exposure, some can become long term.

Your doctor may recommend lung function tests to check for a decline in lung function. They can also advise on other tests or treatments for any symptoms you may be experiencing.

You may be at risk of health concerns due to asphalt fumes if you work in a job involving road paving, roofing, siding, or concrete.

Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and irritation to your ears, nose, or throat.

Longer-term health concerns include coughing, wheezing, and other breathing problems. Asphalt fumes might also increase your risk of cancer.

Wearing suitable PPE, such as a dusk respirator or full-face mask respirator, can help protect you from asphalt fume exposure.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the short- or long-term health issues associated with asphalt fumes. They may order tests to check your lung function, and they can also advise on ways to manage your symptoms.